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(1) The Wall Street Journal's January 2010 article "Sailor Shirt Makes Waves" traces the simple-stripey-standby back to the french marinière, popularized by Coco Chanel.

(2) It's been all over rolling racks this season, and the WSJ credits some of this to the costuming in Coco Avant Chanel. {although the New York Times would disagree. In their March 2010 article "Film and Fashion: Just Friends" they quote the creative director of Barney's, Simon Doonan, as saying "Movies and Fashion? 'I don't think there is a connection'"}

(3) Jen Kao may be an exception to that rule. She admits in the same NYT article that Avatar will inspire her September collection. Perhaps Coco was the movie muse to these spring looks.
[image via Refinery29's layout "Life Aquatic"]

(4) Stripes are a staple for french woman. They are all over this tre jolie editorial via frenchy-by-association, Belle, on It's All Make Believe.

Jo: Do French women wear lots of stripes? That’s how it is in the movies...
Garance: I stand witness straight from my armoire, and I've got my hands on: three short-sleeved striped shirts, two long-sleeved striped shirts, two round-necked striped pullovers, and one striped cardigan...

(6) In french director, Jean-Luc Godard's, Breathless Patricia Franchini plays an American girl living as a journalist in Paris. Filmed in 1960 the full high waisted skirt she pairs her stripes with are a simple & classic look today.

(7) Despite the French origins, stripes definitely have a place in the-land-of-the-free as well. They are a cornerstone to American Prep (and the American flag). Worn here by a girl with an Audrey Hepburn look and signature winged eye-liner. [ source: unknown ]

(8) Stripes scream summer on South Hampton, and leave me longing for sailboats and resort collections even during April showers. [Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2009]
As they say in Legally Blonde II

"You look like the 4th of July. It makes me want a hot dog real bad"

(9) Absolutely Americana: a perfect pairing at Los Angeles' Cupcakes and Cashmere; red nail polish and high-waisted white. See Emily wearing them in action at the Golden Gate Bridge {She is so cute. I've always wanted to be a French girl, but she makes me proud-to-be-an-american. Go figure that makes me patriotic}
When donning a nautical striped skirt she admits:

"My closet is predominantly overrun by stripes. While they’re certainly not the most flattering of patterns, I find myself scooping them by the armfuls."

What do you think of sailor stripes?
Do you find them unflattering or an instant source of chic?